Upgrade or Downgrade? Strong Safety

by captainqtp on Jul 10, 2009 2:28 AM PDT

I was over at Building the Dam yesterday reading a post recommended by Nestor. It was a positional analysis on UCLA in 2009. While I was there, I noticed some posts with Upgrade or Downgrade polls for different positions. I thought it would be fun to do here (yes, I'm dying for football to start).

I'll probably do a few different positions where it is unclear on whether or not we'll be ugrading. I'll also do positions where it might be unclear on who should start. I won't poll for positions where the player returning for 2009 was the starter last year (unless it looks like a backup might be just as good).

Among the first positions I thought to start with was strong safety. Last year, Bret Lockett did a solid job for us, but I don't know much about Glenn Love. I was at the spring game, but I didnt' get out to the practices. So, what do you guys think? Is Glenn Love an upgrade, downgrade, or about the same as last year's Bret Lockett? Comments are welcome, and I'd like to hear from some people who have seen Glenn in practice.

Poll

Is Glenn Love an upgrade, downgrade, or about the same as last year's Bret Lockett?

Glenn Love is an upgrade.

52 votes

Glenn Love is a downgrade.

18 votes

Glenn Love is about as good as Bret Lockett.

30 votes

100 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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Comments

Very good question

Thanks captain for taking my suggestion and running with it. This is what I call taking initiative within the community.

As to your question I think Love certainly has the potential to emerge as an upgrade. He has the size at 6-4, 212. However, the key for him is going to be stay healthy (which IIRC has been an issue for him at UCLA). But don’t forget the kid Tony Dye. He got some action as a true frosh last year and I thought did really well. If he continues to develop I think he has the potential to make some noise and provide dynamic backfield package with Rahim Moore.

Brett Lockett started out a little shaky last year but found his footing towards the end of the season. I think going into start of the season next year we will be at a better place where we were at the start of the season last year at this specific spot. But the question is whether they are going to be as steady as Lockett became by the end of the season last year. Should be interesting

And thanks again for getting this started. Now I will be looking forward to your other posts.

by Nestor on Jul 10, 2009 4:28 AM PDT reply actions

I would have voted

But, I have no idea who is better or worse.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Jul 10, 2009 7:57 AM PDT reply actions

Good chance at being an upgrade

I would stick my neck out and say that Love will be an upgrade to Lockett. At 6-4, 212 (maybe more by the start of the season), he will be a solid presence in the secondary. The key for him is to be able to maintain his speed as he puts on weight. He ran a 4.5 coming out of high school when he was just 200 lbs. With his added weight and history of injuries, the question is whether he will be able to achieve and maintain that speed for a full season. I project him as an upgrade based on his solid performance as a special teams player. If he can translate that type of performance and attitude into the secondary, then he will be a beast.

by Kerckhoff405 on Jul 10, 2009 8:39 AM PDT reply actions